Match packet



J. F. OMALLEY Dec. l2, 1933.

MATCH PACKET Filed Aug.. 6. 1932 INVENTO? //Zf/Za [ey mmv d, ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 12, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENToFFlcE MATCH PACKET John Francis oMauey, New York, N. Y. Application August 6, 1932. Serial No. 627,773

5 Claims. (C1. 2116-29) This invention relates to match packets which are commercially known as book matches and the invention comprehends improvements in the structure thereof by virtue of which certain advantages are gained.

Book matches which are now in general use are open to certain objections and possess certain disadvantages, notably, the danger incident to the possibility of igniting the entire packet of matches in the event the cover flap is -left openl when striking a match in addition to the possibility of the ignition surface of one packet engaging with and igniting the matches of another packet when two or more packets are in the same pocket.

To overcome the disadvantages and objectionable features above noted and in order to generally improve the structure of match packets of this type, the present invention aims to provide an improved packet in which the match heads are permanently covered and shielded until detached for use.

Another feature resides in the arrangement of a cover iap so that its hinged connection with the packet is disposed at the opposite end from.

that at which the match heads are located and at a point between the headed ends of the matches and the ignition surface whereby said flap, even.

when opened, shields the heads of the un-detached matches from flying sparks during the striking of a detached match on said ignition surface.

As a further object, the invention resides in a match packet which is so constructed and arranged that there is an interlocking engagement between the free endnf the cover ilap and the packet body which serves to prevent lateral displacement and distortion of the flap and thereby functions to more efficiently retain the cover nap in its closed relation to the packet body.

Other objects of the invention reside in the comparative simplicity of construction of the improved packet, the economy with which it may be produced and the general efficiency derived therefrom.

With the above recited and other objects in view, reference is made to the following specification and accompanying drawing, in which there is disclosed a preferred form of the invention, while the claims mark out and define the actual scope thereof.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved match packet with the cover in a closed condition.

Figure 2 is a similar View with the cover swungv to an open position.

Figure 3 is a face View of the packet on an enlarged scale illustrating the cover ilap in opened position. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line indicated at 5-5 in Figure 3. 65

Referring to the drawing by characters of reference, the packet includes a plurality of match splints 5 which are either formed as a part of or otherwise connected at one end to a common base 6 and whichare provided at their free ends 7; with the heads 7. In the present instance, one or more rows of match splints may be used in a packet and each row is arranged in laterally spaced groups so that an equal number of matches are preferably in each group. The packet further includes a covering for the match splints and their base or bases and said covering is fashioned from a length of material and includes a back or body portion 8 having reversely and inwardly directed opposite end portions 9 and 10 which 80 overlie the base. The portion 9 covers and shields or protects the heads 7 of the match splints, and intermediate the length of its free edge, the portion 9 is formed with a longitudinally extending tongue 11 which is disposed between the laterally spaced groups of match splints and which is secured to the back portion 8 by a staple 12 or other equivalent securing means. Preferably, in order to obtain the desired thickness, the tongue ll is folded transversely along the longitudinal line to provide a plurality of plies. The reversely directed or inturned portion 10 overlies the base or bases 6 and is secured thereto and to the back portion 8 by a staple or other equivalent fastening means 13. The exterior surface of the portion 10 has applied thereto an ignition substance 14 and the covering includes further a cover flap 15 formed integral with or otherwise carried by the free edge of the portion 10 and which is designed to be swung from the closed condition illustrated in Figure l to the open position illustrated in Figure 2. The cover flap 15 is formed with a notch 16 at its free end edge to receive the tongue l1 when said free end edge is tucked under the portion 9 of the covering. In usefthe cover nap 15 is swung to the open position illustrated in Figure 2 and the match splints 5 are detached by displacing the same laterally from under the shielding portion 9. After being detached the head of the match splint is struck on the ignition surface 14 to ignite the same.' Due to the construction of the packet, it is obvious that the heads of the remaining undetached matches are fully protected from flying sparks even though the cover flap 15 is left open and this protection is doubly assured by virtue of the fact that the cover flap 15 is interposed between the match heads and the ignition surface, while the shield portion 9 further. covers the match heads of the remaining un-detached matches. When the cover flap 15 is closed it is apparent that due to the interlocking engagement of the notch portion 16 with the tongue 11, lateral displacement and distortion of the cover are avoided, -`while a more secure retention of the cover ilap in its closed condition is insured. It will be further observed that the packet due to its construction is extremely strong and durable and it is also apparent that any possibility of accidental ignitionof the match heads is prevented should several packets be placed in the same pocket even with the cover ilaps 15 open.

While there has been illustrated and disclosed a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this is not intended as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims and variations and modifications which fall within the scope thereof may be resorted to when desired.

What is claimed:-

1. A match packet including a plurality of splints connected at one end and having ignition heads at the opposite end and a covering therefor including a back portion and inturned opposite ends respectively overlying the connected and headed ends of the splints, said splints being arranged in laterally spaced groups and a tongue extending from the inturned end which overlies the splint heads and secured to the back portion of the covering. and disposed between the laterally spaced groups of splints.

2. A match packet including a plurality of splints connected at one end and having ignition heads at the opposite end and a covering therefor including a back portion and inturned opposite ends respectively overlying the connected and headed ends of the splints, said splints being arranged in laterally spaced groups and a tongue extending from the .inturned end which overlies the splint heads and secured to the back portion o1' the covering and disposed between the laterally spaced groups of splints, and a cover ap connected to the opposite inturned end and adapted to detachably'v engage with the rstmentioned inturned end portion.

3. A match packet including a plurality of splints connected at one end and having ignition heads at the opposite end and a covering therefor including a back portion and inturned opposite ends respectively overlying the connected and headed ends of the splints, said splints being arranged in laterally spaced groups and a tongue extending from the inturned end which overlies the splint heads and secured to the back portion of the covering and disposed between the laterally spaced groups of splints, and a cover flap connected to the vopposite inturned end and adapted to detachably engage with the rst-mentioned inturned end portion, said cover ap having a notch at its free end to receive said tongue.

4. A match packet including a plurality of match splints arranged. in laterally spaced groups, a common base connecting the splints at one end and heads at the free ends of said splints and a covering therefor fashioned 'from a sheet of material and including a back portion, an inturned shield portion at one end of the back portion overlying the headed ends of the splints, a longitudinally extending tongue secured" to the back portion and lying between the `laterally spaced groups of splints, an inturned portion at the opposite end of the back portion overlying the splint-connecting base and a flap connected to the latter inturned portion and adapted for detachable engagement with the other inturned portion.

5. A f match packet including a plurality ofv match splints arranged in laterally spaced groups, a common base connecting the splints at one end and heads at the free ends of said splints and a covering therefor fashioned from a sheet of material and including a back portion, an inturned shield portion at one end of the back portion overlying the headed ends of the splints, a longitudinally extending tongue secured to .the back portion and lying between the laterally spaced groups o'f splints, an inturned portion at the opposite end of the back portion overlying the splint-connecting base and a flap connected to the latter inturned portion and adapted for de-` tachable engagement with the other 'inturned portion, said ilap having a notch at its free end to receive the tongue when the ap is in a closed condition.

JOHN FRANCIS O'MALLEY. 

